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Animal Assisted Therapy

Darren the "Pets as Therapy" dog in training

 

Following the passing of our much-loved assistance dog, Luna, Tiny Tackers Therapy is fortunate to continue incorporating animal-assisted interactions within the clinic through Darren, our friendly “office dog,” who regularly visits the space.

Animal-assisted therapy and interactions can support children’s social, emotional, cognitive, educational, and physical development, while also helping to foster connection, engagement, comfort, and regulation within the therapy environment.

Fine Motor skills

(Pre-writing, handwriting, scissor skills)

  • Cut up treats for Darren
  • Write letters to Darren with correct letter formation, spacing and legibility
  • Draw pictures for Darren using pre-writing shapes which are the building blocks for handwriting
  • Show Darren completed work

Self-care

(Dressing)

  • Change over Darren's bandanna (press studs)
  • Take on/off Darren's harness (clip buckle)
  • Take on/off Darren's collar (buckle)

Gross Motor Skills

  • Aiming a ball or toy at a specific location for Darren to catch and/or retrieve
  • Darren can demonstrate how to move through an obstacle course
  • Develop kicking skills to pass a ball to Darren

Social Skills

  • Take turns when playing a game
  • Take turns rolling a ball back and forth
  • Darren may assist children to open up and improve interaction, manners, ability to follow rules, and social skills

Sensory Input

  • Tactile input: patting, brushing

Self-esteem

  • Read to Darren
  • Show Darren completed work (writing, drawing)
  • Darren provides support and/or motivation when attempting a new or challenging task

Self-regulation

  • Darren can model when it is appropriate to be excited and/or when we need to be calm and ready to learn

Sequencing & Language

  • Give Darren a sequence of commands
  • Touch Darren's ears, back etc. for body part recognition, receptive language skills, and to develop a child's ability to follow a sequence of steps/instructions
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